Gilsonite as a Briquetting Binder

Fine coal, coke and carbon fines are often pressed into briquettes. A binder holds them together.

Gilsonite benefits

• Strong binding when heated
• Water resistance
• Adds carbon value

Process

Mix fines with gilsonite powder, heat to soften, press and cool.

Why briquetting is needed

Coal fines, coke breeze, charcoal dust and carbon residues are difficult to handle and burn poorly. Pressing them into briquettes creates a uniform, transportable fuel or carbon product.

Gilsonite as a binder

When heated, gilsonite softens and coats the fine particles. On cooling and pressing it binds them into strong briquettes. Because gilsonite is itself a hydrocarbon, it adds calorific value instead of ash.

Typical process

1. Dry and size the fines.
2. Mix with 4–10 % gilsonite powder.
3. Heat to soften the binder (often with steam or hot air).
4. Press in a roller or piston press.
5. Cool and cure.

Benefits

See gilsonite powder.